Before I Let You Go

When Lexie and Annie's father died, their lives changed forever. Older sister Lexie worked hard to overcome her difficult childhood and became a doctor. Annie, an aspiring writer, didn't fare as well and ended up a heroin addict. The sisters have a strong bond, but Annie's condition tests it. When Lexie's landline rings during an estrangement from Annie, she learns her troubled sister is still using and is pregnant. Lexie and her surgeon fiancé, Sam, rush to Annie's aid, but they can't rewrite the Alabama state law that punishes pregnant drug addicts. Lexie promises her sister she will take care of the baby while Annie is in court-ordered rehab, putting a strain on her relationship with Sam. But can Annie actually beat her demons this time? And what happens if she can't? Best-selling author Rimmer (Me Without You; The Secret Daughter) alternates between Lexie's and Annie's voices and delivers an engrossing novel about sisters, families, and addiction. However, the only likable character is the baby (unless you don't like babies). Annie is manipulative and has issues with authority, Lexie is an enabler, their mother is distant, and Sam is annoyingly needy. But their flaws make them realistic, and their struggles will engage and touch readers.